Commission Names Deputy Executive Director, General Counsel

The Ohio Casino Control Commission today named Rick Anthony as Deputy Executive Director and Matthew Oyster as General Counsel. They take over for John Barron, who recently departed the Commission to become Chief of Staff for the Ohio Senate.

“The Commission is fortunate to have a team of highly-qualified individuals focused on ensuring the integrity of gaming in Ohio,” said Executive Director Matthew Schuler. “Rick and Matthew’s knowledge and experience have played an important role in our agency’s success, and I am pleased they will be expanding their leadership roles with the Commission.”

In addition to overseeing all divisions of the Commission as Deputy Executive Director, Rick Anthony will remain in charge of the agency’s day-to-day operations – including fiscal management, human resources and information technology. Anthony has worked for the Commission since its creation in 2011, helping get the agency up and running and assisting with the opening of Ohio’s four casinos. He brings with him more than 35 years of experience in state government, having worked for the Ohio Department of Taxation in a variety of positions, including Deputy Tax Commissioner.

As General Counsel, Matthew Oyster provides advice and counsel in all matters impacting the Commission’s work in regulating casino gaming. He will continue to lead the Commission’s Licensing & Investigations Division, which is responsible for determining the suitability of casino operators, management companies, vendors and employees for licensure. Oyster first joined the Commission as Assistant General Counsel in 2011, and served as Deputy General Counsel from 2012 through 2015. He also worked in the Charitable Law Section of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.